Phyllis J. Jellis

Phyllis J. Jellis of Watertown, SD passed away at the age of 97 on August 27, 2025 in Watertown, SD.

Funeral services will be 10:00am, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Cornerstone Church in Watertown.

PLEASE NOTE LOCATION AT THE CHURCH: Visitation will be 4-7pm, Monday, September 1, 2025 at Cornerstone Church.

Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.

Phyllis Joy (Borkhuis) Jellis

October 15, 1927 - August 27, 2025

Born near Wessington, SD to Menno and Lulu (Bynes) Borkhuis, she attended country grade school and Wessington High School until moving with her parents to Watertown, SD in 1945 to finish high school. Following graduation, she started her journey working at Community Oil for six years.

On October 15, 1950, Phyllis was united in marriage to James "Jim" C. Jellis in Watertown. The couple lived in Long Island, New York while Jim was stationed in the Air Force until his honorable discharge in 1951. While there, she worked at Esso Standard Oil. They then returned to Watertown where she was employed at F & M Bank and Lokens Sales Barn. They started farming in 1954 until 1983. Phyllis began additional employment in 1975 at the Sunshine Hatchery and Egg Company. In 1976 she began a long career with Olin Flax Straw Co. at Rauville, SD until relocating to Langdon and Walhalla North Dakota from 1986 – 1993 where she was shift supervisor.

Phyllis found "Joy in living" with employment, farming, livestock, gardening and sewing; along with traveling to several states with family and hours talking with her many many friends. She often stated, "I loved it All" as proven by the photos she took.

She shared her love and talent for music by playing piano, accordion, harmonica and spoons. She arranged many singing performances at the Salvation Army. She entertained as one of "The Golden Girls" quartet with back up drum and guitar music by her friends.

Forever grateful for sharing her life are her six children; James L "Butch" (Glenda), Julie (Gene), Karen, Steven, Donald "Don" (Dixie) and Robert "Bob" (Linda); 17 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; brother and sister-in-law, Lowell and Louise; grandson, Jason; and her nephew, Wayne

Phyllis was known by many friends, family and acquaintances for her smiles, kindness, love and laughter; hugs and kisses and her customary "Cheers" toast for good health and happiness!

Visitation will be Monday, Sept. 1, 2025 at Cornerstone Church in Watertown, SD from 4-7pm and Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 from 9-10am prior to the funeral service at 10am at Cornerstone Church with Pastors, Jesse Hurkes and Roger Spahr officiating.

A special thanks to all the staff at Jenkins Living Center for the excellent personalized care she received.

Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel ~ www.wightandcomes.com